Coming round fast!

Well since my last post...

I've been training hard down the gym, building up muscle strength mainly. Although fitting in time to go to the gym around my university work has proven difficult. I've also been going to a yoga class on a Saturday morning which I've found really helpful; not only to chill me out for the weekend but also to stretch those muscles that we don't usually use.

I've also lost 6 lb so far, not going mad on a weight loss programme but have pretty much cut out bread and potatoes from my diet. I have more energy and don't feel as bloated or lethargic as I had been.

The new Spring edition of verity magazine comes out this month- I've got an electronic copy and I'm SOOOOOO pleased with my one page article highlighting my trek and PCOS journey. This has spurred me on to slightly more unusual ways of funraising. I've spoken to friend via facebook and found that lots of them have baby clothes to get rid of and therefore thinking of doing a car boot shortly and putting the proceeds towards my fundraising pot! Another idea I've come up with is collection tins/buckets at either a train station at rush hour or at big shops near me so got lots of letters to write and post... fingers crossed!

I've had lots of support from Verity- the charity I'm raising money for and have also had a hoodie and t shirt printed with my justgiving page and verity logo on. These have proven popular when out and about and people just seem to strike up conversation (generally when in a good old British queue!) asking who Verity are and when do I climb Kilimanjaro. So hopefully that will generate some funds for the charity too.

Paid £250 off the trek cost last month... only £1500 to go... gulp! Then its just my visa cost £70 and travel insurance another £70...eekkk!!

Although I have got most of my trekking equipment now, which I tried out last month at the Peak District. Planning to do some walking in a couple of weeks in the Lake District and then in July I'm off to do Ben Nevis with some friends.... watch this space...
The three photos below are from Castleton in the Peak District, and the last of my awesome hoodie!

Time flies....

Hi!

I know it's been a while, couple months in fact. I've got quite alot of my kit for my trek now, breaking in my boots doesn't seem as bad as I thought. I've been going to the gym as much as 90+ hours of work can allow, have my follow up with my gym instructor tomorrow which will be great to see how my measurements are looking.

I had an article/recorded interview with Newbury Sound radio station in January/February and tonight I've been putting the finishing touches to an article for Verity Magazine which is published quarterly for their members. This last one has really boosted my morale and motivation as its great to see the charity getting behind me as I've raise over £600  for them so far!

Did my first practice walk last weekend- approximately 7 miles which was a great start for my first walk of the year!

Plans for this year:
Peak district next week with my best friend to get some walking in.
April- Lake district walking
July- Practice walk weekend with Action Challenge- the company I've booked to do my trek with.

Wait and see what else is in the pipeline :)

Well there's no going back...

2011- what a start!

I've paid my deposit for Kilimanjaro January 2011 so there's no going back now...had a long chat with the company "Action Challenge" that I'm going with as I wanted to know what happens if the airports get closed due to snow etc so that was really productive. I've also had a few friends suggest some fundraising tips so Im on twitter as "studentnursegem" to try and raise the profile of my climb. Because I booked my trip before the end of January 2011 I also get a free training weekend, which I've chosen July so it doesn't clash with my uni course. Which will be held in the peak district.

I also moved to Andover, with some ace friends. So that means I need to change my gym membership over too.... and really need to step up my training... feeling pretty fat following on from the christmas indulgence...oops!

Got my first PCOS meeting in Reading this Thursday to discuss emotions relating to people with PCOS, which will be interesting, and also good to see if anyone has any further ideas of how to fundraise.

And lastly one of the girls I work with has decided to join me on my adventure which will be ace as then I have someone to motivate and motivate me throughout as we already know each other. Although slightly concerned as shes super fit!!